Tata Cancer Hospital embraces 19th-century tech for swift blood sample transport, reducing error
Initiated 15 years ago, this vital technology shuttles 3,000 samples daily between various departments within seconds, saving crucial hours and minimising human error.
2 min read
Pneumatic pipes that are suspended from the ceiling. (Express photo by Rupsa Chakraborty)Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), India’s premier cancer facility, employs a 19th-century-inspired pneumatic tube system to swiftly transport blood samples in cylindrical containers using compressed air through a network of tubes. Initiated 15 years ago, this vital technology shuttles 3,000 samples daily between various departments within seconds, saving crucial hours and minimising human error.
The hospital collects blood samples from over 1,000 patients daily, averaging 2-3 per patient. The hospital spans five buildings, dividing beds and patient load. A dedicated wing serves cancer patients, hosting sample collection centres in both wings. Collecting nearly a thousand samples daily is vital for accurate cancer treatment, monitoring blood viscosity and other parameters.
To overcome delays and diagnostic inaccuracies associated with manual handling, the hospital implemented a pneumatic tube system 15 years ago. Initially limited to 15 collection centres, the system has expanded to 54 to accommodate the growing patient influx. It was one of the first public-run hospitals to install the blood transportation system in 2008.
“Tata Memorial Hospital operates 54 sample collection stations, swiftly delivering blood, urine, or other samples to relevant departments within 1 to 3 minutes through pneumatic tubes,” said Dr Vinit Samant, medical superintendent of the hospital.
“In case of an emergency situation for a patient in critical condition in any ward, and specific medication is required, these medicines can be sent to the ward within minutes with a specific code through this tube. This not only saves time but also eliminates communication gaps and ensures samples remain undamaged during transport,” he added.
On visiting the hospital, one can easily notice the transparent pipes suspended from the ceiling. Cylindrical containers carrying blood samples swiftly traverse at high speeds, emitting distinct sounds.
Originating in the 1850s at the London Telegraph Office, the pneumatic tube system created faster transport routes for letters and parcels. Evolving with scientific advancements, hospitals now use it for swift delivery of blood samples and x-rays. Compressed air propels cylindrical carriers through a tube network, efficiently reaching their destination.
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